Gravity Mapping and Quantum Instruments Quiz

What is the primary reason for the variation in Earth's gravitational pull across different locations?

• The Earth's magnetic field

• The presence of mountains

• The rotation of the Earth

• The shifting mass of water

How did the GRACE and GRACE-Follow On missions measure changes in Earth's gravitational field?

• By using a single satellite to orbit the Earth

• By measuring the distance between two satellites as they pass through gravitational fluctuations

• By analyzing the Earth's magnetic field

• By deploying ground-based sensors across the globe

What is unique about the new prototype sensor developed by NASA and AOSense, Inc.?

• It is the size of a football field

• It uses helium atoms to measure gravity

• It uses quantum phenomena to achieve unprecedented accuracy

• It can only be used on Earth

What does the new sensor's ability to detect gravitational changes after a lunch break demonstrate?

• Its lack of sensitivity

• Its inability to function in space

• Its ability to measure temperature changes

• Its high sensitivity to mass changes

What potential future application is mentioned for the new quantum sensor?

• Mapping the surface of Mars

• Detecting gravitational waves in new frequency ranges

• Measuring the Earth's magnetic field

• Tracking weather patterns on Earth